Bird flu precautions leave wildlife rescuers unable to help suffering birds
Wildlife rescuers are told not to euthanise injured birds to reduce bird flu risk, leaving suffering animals in limbo.
Wildlife rescuers face an impossible choice as bird flu precautions block both treatment and humane death. Injured birds are listed for help on rescue apps but no one collects them.
Vets have closed their doors to wild birds, fearing the virus will spread to dogs and cats. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary has banned its volunteers from using blunt force trauma, the only field method approved in Tasmania.
The sanctuary cites biosecurity risk. Rescuer Jess O'Connor says many birds need help dying, otherwise they suffer for days.
The sanctuary's chief executive called on the government to offer incentives to private vets to accept birds and manage the associated risks.
- Blunt force trauma to the head
- Approved euthanasia method
- Tasmania
- State
- Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
- Wildlife facility
- Jess O'Connor
- Rescuer quoted
Why it mattersThe rules meant to protect public health are forcing wildlife carers to watch injured animals suffer without the ability to help them.
AustraliaInjured wild birds across Australia are caught in a welfare crisis as rescuers navigate impossible biosecurity rules.
